In an era dominated by technology, almost everything in our lives is intricately woven into the fabric of the digital realm. Every click, like, share, and comment leaves behind a trace—a digital footprint that tells the story of our online presence. 

In the vast landscape of cyberspace, being aware of your digital trail is crucial. Your awareness, or lack thereof, can shape your online experiences and, ultimately, our real-world lives.

Picture this: a high school student with a passion for influencing immersed themselves in social media platforms, expressing thoughts and opinions on various issues. This digital trail, seemingly harmless at first, begins to take on a life of its own. Fast forward a few years, and this individual finds themselves at the crossroads of a potential job opportunity. 

Nowadays, prospective employers scrutinize applicants’ online presence as part of the hiring process. Nearly 70 percent of employers have used social media to screen candidates, and 54 percent have rejected applicants based on their social media profiles, according to a 2018 CareerBuilder survey.

A quick Google search could reveal a mosaic of posts, shares, and comments that could influence the company’s perception of one’s character.

A high school TikTok user named Jayden, known online as @shoomew, went viral sharing her own realization of the effects digital footprints can have. The user posted a TikTok of herself shocked, with overtext saying “Me realizing the digital footprint is real because when called for a job interview they loved me but when they did a background check they said they didn’t want to hire me anymore.” 

The digital world, once seen as a sanctuary for self-expression, suddenly felt like a glass house where every move was scrutinized. Jayden realized the truth behind curating an online identity, and the importance of presenting a more holistic and professional version of oneself online.

In a society where virtual and physical realms are increasingly intertwined, understanding the implications of our digital footprints becomes paramount. We should strive to maintain a balance between enjoying the benefits of the digital age, using it to express ourselves, and safeguarding our personal information.

Being aware of our digital footprint is not about stifling self-expression or living in constant fear of judgment, rather, it’s about navigating the digital maze with intentionality. It’s about acknowledging that our online actions have real-world consequences, and that the choices we make today can shape our tomorrow.

As we continue to traverse the expanse of the internet, we need to tread carefully. Our intention should be a digital footprint that reflects the best version of ourselves—a testament to our awareness, responsibility, and respect for our interconnected world.